With the destruction of natural avian habitat, urban gardens have become a welcome refuge for birds in search of nectar, seeds, water and shelter. Make your feathered guests feel welcome with food, water and shelter from predators. You’ll be rewarded with cheerful birdsong from dawn to dusk.
GOOD TO KNOW:
COMMON GARDEN BIRDS ARE ROUGHLY DIVIDED INTO SEVEN GROUPS, ALL WITH DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS. THESE ARE FRUIT-EATERS, SEED-EATERS, INSECT-EATERS, WATER BIRDS, NECTAR-FEEDERS, MIXED FEEDERS AND PREDATORY BIRDS.
PLANTING PALETTE
Indigenous plant species are more attractive to local birds and insects. Colourwise, birds are attracted to the bright-orange and red-nectar-filled flowers of aloes, Cape honeysuckles, the Natal bottlebrush, wild pomegranate, erythrina, fuchsia, hibiscus, red-hot poker, Leonotis leonurus, protea, russellia and Strelitzia reginae.
Shrubs that attract birds include yellow and apricot phygelius, pink…